Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Barbalato.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from the land of Buffalo, NY and a very large Italian family. While tying my shoes as a child, I was singing the ABC’s and my mom thought “wow she can hold a tune”. From then on, I never shut up. I was heavily involved in choir and musicals throughout my schooling.
Later moving to NYC to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Always finding myself in the rehearsal room writing and singing, procrastinating work. After graduation, I ventured to Los Angeles because I had a “feeling” that was my next chapter. I literally threw out everything I owned except one suitcase and a backpack worth of my belongings. I slept on an air mattress and used what I had in my suitcase as blankets while finding a restaurant job. I landed a hosting gig, and one month later had my first gig at a coffee shop. Moving without knowing anyone or anything in LA helped me (surprisingly). I was fearless because I didn’t know any better.
Fast forward five years later – Here I am! It has been a rollercoaster to say the least, and I expect it to stay that way. I have played some of my dream venues, including The Troubadour, Peppermint, and Hotel Cafe. I have met some incredible humans, made music that I am incredibly proud of (most not released – but cannot wait to share).. the list goes on and on.
One thing I do know is even though is that this entire journey has led me exactly where I need to be. There has been so many ups and downs but it is only propelling me closer to every dream I have. Cannot wait for what’s to come!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest obstacle for me has been sacrifice. I have sacrificed a comfortable life for a very unpredictable one. I generally keep my blinders on and try to stay focused on what is next but it gets extremely difficult when I am missing out on life events that involve my family and friends. Weddings, births, birthdays, deaths. I have missed multiple of many. I maybe see my family and friends at home, briefly, once or twice a year. It’s hard.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I think what sets my music apart is how raw we are while creating. We truly care about the music, which I feel is currently lost in the industry. Everything is either “too perfect” or “to a grid” that emotion is lost. My songs “Desert”, “I’m a New Yorker”, and “Hey Honey” were completely done in one take, with no vocal editing. I am so proud and lucky to have a team that is open and confidant to that type of work. You can feel the emotion deeper when there is no copy and paste, or cutting and major editing.
My latest release, “Somewhere in the Middle” was a bit more indie/pop. I am so proud of how our vision was executed for this one. My great friends/producers of SWITM Bobby Salehnejad and Ernest Green are earth angels who finally came into my life after far too long. We all have the same vision, and I am so grateful that they are so supportive, innovative, and open to nontraditional production ideas. They are a powerhouse and masterminds behind so much.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Stay true to yourself, you’ll always win that way. Perseverance is key. Being unique is beautiful. Surround yourself with those who lift you up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisbarbalato
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisbarbalato/?view_public_for=268370027118069
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marisbarbalato
Image Credit:
Photo by: Carly Bernstein
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